After properly sanding a large wooden cutting board or a wooden countertop (aka butcher countertop?), can I use just (virgin) olive oil to seal it? Is there a risk that olive (or sunflower, etc) oil will produce the very unpleasant gummy feel to the board?
I know that the hardware stores sell some kind of oil specifically for this purpose—one that is food-safe, but that is not suitable for cooking. I am wondering why an oil that is meant to be edible in the first place will not do.
Best Answer
I have purchased many fine wooden bowls where the craftsmen swear by applying walnut or safflower oil. I prefer walnut because it does not get waxy after a few years. Available in fine grocery and some health food stores.